Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the North West (Inner) Area Committee meeting held at the West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds 16.  He apologised for the recent venue changes and hoped that, in the future, venues of meetings would be arranged on ward by ward rotation.

The Chair referred to the recent changes to Operation Apollo and following a request by a number of Members on the Committee, he agreed that this issue would be debated under the item relating to the Community Safety Review

2004-06  (Minute 91 refers).

To identify items where resolutions may be moved to exclude the public

RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as exempt on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of the exempt information so designated as follows:-

(a)  Appendices 4 and 5 to the report referred to in Minute 89 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information by reason of the fact that by disclosing these details, the reputation of both organisations could be detrimentally affected before they have attempted to satisfactorily resolve the matter.

(b)  Appendix 2 to the report referred to in Minute 94 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information by reason of the fact that by disclosing these details, the reputation of the organisation could be detrimentally affected before they have attempted to satisfactorily resolve the matter.

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

The Chair informed the meeting that Councillor J Illingworth had circulated a number of documents in relation to the item relating to the A65 and A660 Corridors – Traffic Flows and Vehicle Speeds (Minute 93 refers).

The Chair stated that this documentation would not be admitted to the agenda as a late item.

To declare any personal/prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 13 of the Members Code of Conduct

(a)  The following personal declarations were made:-

·  Councillor J Monaghan in his capacity as a Friend of Hyde Park Picture House – Well Being Report (Agenda Item 10) (Minute 89 refers)

·  Councillor E Minkin in her capacity as a Friend of Hyde Park Picture House – Well Being Report (Agenda Item 10) (Minute 89 refers)

(b)  The following personal/prejudicial interests were declared:-

·  Councillor J Illingworth in his capacity as a Director of Leeds Organic Growers – Well Being Report (Agenda Item 10) (Minute 89 refers)

·  Councillor K Hussain in his capacity as a Member of Woodsley Road Community Centre – Woodsley Road Multicultural Community Centre Management Agreement (Agenda Item 15) (Minute 94 refers)

In accordance with Paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, at the discretion of the Chair a period of up to 10 minutes may be allocated at each ordinary meeting for members of the public to make representations or to ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee.  This period of time may be extended at the discretion of the Chair.  No member of the public shall speak for more than three minutes in the Open Forum, except by permission of the Chair.

In accordance with paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, the Chair allowed members of the public to make representations or ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee.

On this occasion no issues were raised.

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 7^th December 2006.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the minutes of the meeting held on 7^th December 2006 be  approved as a correct record.

(b)  That the update on issues arising from the North West (Inner) Area Committee minutes of the meeting held on 7^th December 2006 be received and noted.

(a)  Great Student Run (Minute 70(a) refers)

  Councillor M Hamilton referred to the above issue and raised his disappointment that Nova International were now intending to go ahead with the 2007 race without having consulted with either Ward Members or the local community.

  Dayle Lynch, North West Area Management responded and informed the meeting that Nova International had indicated a preference for staging a 5K race. It was further reported that a meeting had been arranged by Nova International which would take place in the near future to discuss their proposals in terms of road closures and impact on public transport.

  Following discussions, the Area Committee wished to convey it’s objection to the new proposals on the grounds that there had been no Member or public consultation, as promised following last year’s event.

(b)  Transportation Report – Burley Road Bus Scheme (Minute 70(c) refers)

  Councillor E Minkin referred to the above issue and enquired if the Chair had written, on behalf of the Area Committee, to the Development Department requesting reconsideration of the Burley Road bus scheme and the replacement landscape strip which would not be as wide under the revised plans.

  The Chair responded and confirmed that a letter had been sent and  was currently awaiting a response.

(c)  A ‘Vision’ for Inner North West Leeds (Minute 70(d) refers)

  Dr R Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby referred to the above issue and enquired if the North West Area Manager had written to Councillor A Carter regarding the Area Committee’s recommendations to the Executive Board that a policy of additional licensing was needed for all houses in multiple occupation within the North West Inner Area.

  Dayle Lynch, North West Area Management responded and agreed to ensure that this was actioned.

(d)  Key Messages from Area Forums and Area Committee Themed Sub Groups (Minute 71 refers)

  Councillor E Minkin referred to the above issue and reaffirmed that the Area Committee should not lose sight of the issues of concern raised by the Kirkstall Ward Members at the Inner North West Vision meeting held on 14^th December 2006.

(e)  Kirkstall Joint Service Centre – March or June 2007 Meeting

  Councillor E Minkin informed the meeting that the above report should refer to the Kirkstall District Centre Redevelopment and not to the Kirkstall Joint Service Centre.

  Dayle Lynch, North West Area Management responded and noted the comments.

(f)  Headingley DPPO – March or June 2007 Meeting

  Councillor D Morton referred to the above issue and requested North West Area Management to give consideration in submitting this item to the March Area Committee in view of the urgency of the issue.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing providing Members with feedback on actions identified in past key message reports and updating the meeting on the key messages from ward forums and sub groups that have taken place since the last meeting.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report providing feedback on actions identified in past key message reports and updating Members on the key messages from ward forums and sub groups that have taken place since the last Area Committee.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  reference to recycling issues discussed at the Kirkstall Burley Forum meeting held on 5^th February 2007 and the need to address this at the next meeting of the Streetscene Sub Group

·  the need for the Area Committee to support the Headingley Forum’s recommendation to the Licensing and Regulatory Panel on 6^th March2007 for the introduction of new powers/penalties in respect of those private hire drivers who illegally ply for hire

·  the need for larger licence numbers to be displayed on private hire vehicles to assist in identifying vehicles that contravene regulations

·  clarification of what form of community consultation would take place on any proposals to deal with the issue of street drinking

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

(b)  That in respect of  those private hire drivers who illegally ply for hire, this Committee supports the Headingley Forums recommendation to the Licensing and Regulatory Panel on 6^th March 2007 for the introduction of new powers/penalties in this regard and also makes a request for larger licence numbers to be displayed on private hire vehicles.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing providing Members with monitoring information of ongoing projects for quarter 3 in 2006-07.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report providing Members with monitoring information of ongoing projects for quarter 3 in 2006/07.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  clarification of progress to date in relation to the CCTV in Hyde Park project

·  the need for Kirkstall Road to be included within the Cardigan Road / Otley Road Streetscape Fund

·  funding in relation to CALM’s Up Your Street project which was coming to an end in March 2007

(The Committee noted that a proposal for further funding assistance may be submitted to the next Area Committee meeting)

·  the need for Members of the Committee to be kept informed of the location sites for all 20 bins in relation to the Additional Litter Bins project and timescales for installation

·  clarification of the progress to date in relation to the Ashvilles Alleygating scheme project

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing on the Well-being budget.

Referring to minute 72 of the meeting held on 7^th December 2006, the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report on the Well-being budget.

The purpose of the report was to provide Members with:-

·  monitoring reports on commissioned projects requiring continued funding

·  information to assist decision making as to how future funding should be spent

·  an update on small grants approved in 2006/07

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

(a)  Breakdown of Revenue Spend by theme/ward 2004/05 to 2006/07

(3 years) (Appendix 1 refers)

(b)  Breakdown of Capital Spend 2004/07 to date by theme/ward

(Appendix 2 refers)

(c)  Projects agreed, in principle, for 2007/08 (Appendix 3 refers)

(d)  Inner North West Community Planning Officer (Appendix 6 refers)

(e)  Inner North West Funding Officer (Appendix 7 refers)

Appendices 4 and 5 of the report were designated exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3).

The Committee noted that the Woodsley Road Community Centre Manager project run over the past two years via Voluntary Action Leeds would not be continued.

The Chair informed the meeting that at the budget workshop meeting held on 26^th January 2007, Members had discussed allocating a set amount of funding per ward and the retention of a central pot area wide projects.

It was noted that arising from the above discussions, Members had agreed to:-

·  allocate £60,000 (capital) for each ward within Inner North West over the next three years with £160,000 remaining in a central budget

·  consider the budget bidding process in rounds with effect from 29^th March 2007 meeting and to consider well-being projects thereafter at June, October and March meetings of the Area Committee

·  introduce a revised proposal form for applicants seeking future well-being funds

In relation to the Inner North West Community Planning Officer, the Committee noted that the costs in 2007/8 had increased from £40,000 to £42,440.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That this Committee confirms its commitment to the ‘in-principle’ agreements made for those 2007/08 projects as detailed in Appendix 3 of the report and that in respect of the Leeds Organic Growers project, the funds be ring fenced pending resolution of the current situation.

(c)  That approval be given to the continuation of the funding of the Inner North West Community Planning Officer in accordance with the report now submitted.

(d)  That approval be given to the continuation of the funding of the Funding Officer Project in accordance with the report now submitted and that North West Area Management be requested to supply Members of the Committee with further information on the findings of the recent evaluation exercise undertaken by the Funding Officer Project in due course.

(e)  That the current position of the small grants fund as detailed in Section 1 of the report be noted.

(Councillor J Illingworth having previously declared a personal and prejudicial interest, left the room during discussion of the Leeds Organic  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing on the Draft Area Delivery Plan 2007/08.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report on the Draft Area Delivery Plan 2007/08.

The purpose of the report was to:-

·  review the 2006/07 Area Delivery Plan

·  suggest greater links with the Local Area Agreement (LAA) for Leeds and the North West District Partnership Plan

·  present a draft Area Delivery Plan for 2007/08 for discussion

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

(a)  Inner North West Area Delivery Plan 2006/07 (Appendix 1 refers)

(b)  Leeds Local  Area Agreement – An Overview (Appendix 2 refers)

(c)  Inner North West Area Delivery Plan 2007/08 (Appendix 3 refers)

Dayle Lynch, North West Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report with specific reference to Appendix 3.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  the need for the Area Committee to include a Housing Strategy within the Area  Delivery Plan which was specific to the Inner North West area

·  the need to reflect the Area Vision within the Area Delivery Plan

·  the need for the Area Delivery Plan to focus on ‘affordable’ housing

·  the need to progress the Town and District Centre scheme

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That the draft action plan for 2007/08 be received and noted and that Members of the Committee and interested parties be requested to forward any further comments on the document to North West Area Management.

(c)  That this Committee supports the proposal received from the Leeds HMO Lobby for the inclusion of a Housing Strategy within the Area  Delivery Plan and to refer this issue to the Shared Housing Group for further discussion.

(d)  That approval be given to the proposal that the 2007/08 Area Delivery Plan should include linkages to the Local Area Agreement for Leeds where appropriate and that details of these linkages be agreed with Members via the Committee’s thematic sub groups.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing providing details of crime statistics during the period April 2004 and June 2006, including a summary of the Area Committee spend during the same period and the results achieved.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report providing details of crime statistics during the period April 2004 and June 2006, including a summary of the Area Committee spend during the same period and the results achieved.

Zahid Butt, North West Area Management and Richard Coldwell, West Yorkshire Police presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  clarification of the graph that showed the impact of the anti terrorist activity following the July 2005 bombings

·  clarification of the proposed changes to Operation Apollo and a percentage breakdown of crime figures within the four wards of Inner North West Leeds

·  the need for forward thinking in relation to Operation Apollo and for ward members to be fully consulted on the pilot proposals

·  clarification of the proposals for the introduction of mini Apollo operations outside the ‘static’ area

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That this Committee supports the changes to Operation Apollo as a pilot scheme, subject to further discussions with Members.

(c)  That this Committee welcomes an invitation from West Yorkshire Police for Members to attend a full presentation on crime figures within Inner North West to be held at Weetwood Police Headquarters on 6^th March 2007.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing updating Members on the progress of the ‘’To Let’’ boards initiative.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report updating Members on the progress of the ‘To Let’ boards initiative.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

(a)  Results of Surveys / Summons Issued (Appendix 1 refers)

(b)  Agents with a high level of compliance (Appendix 2 refers)

(c)  Agents with a low level of compliance (Appendix 3 refers)

Andrew Crates, Development Department presented the report and  responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  the possibility of extending the Direction area, within which prosecution action can be taken, in any future application to extend the powers granted to the Council by central Government

·  clarification of the reasons for conditional discharges

·  the need for any renewal or review of proposals in relation to the ‘To Let’ Board Directive to come back to this Committee for discussion prior to any submission to the Department for Communities and Local Government

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That the Director of Development be requested to come back to this Committee on any renewal or review proposals in relation to the ‘To Let’ Board Directive for discussion prior to any submission to the Department for Communities and Local Government.

To consider a report of the Director of Development on information regarding present traffic levels and the location of peak hour congestion on the A65 and A660 corridors.

The Director of Development submitted a report on information regarding present traffic levels and the location of peak hour congestion on the A65 and A660 corridors.

The purpose of the report was to provide an overview of peak and off-peak traffic flow information, vehicle travel times and journey speeds for sections of the A65 and A660 within the Inner North West area, extending outwards from the Inner Ring Road to the A6120.  Information was also provided to enable a comparison to be made against selected other radial corridors in the city.

Andrew Hall, Development Department presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  clarification as to why Queenswood Drive was omitted from data provided for the Spen Lane/ Morris Lane area

·  the concern expressed that the report failed to address the amount of traffic that was ‘rat’ running on residential side roads

·  the importance of addressing congestion issues within the North West Inner area and the need for this Committee to make recommendations to the Executive Board in this regard

·  the need to address planning issues with a mechanism in place to reduce car parking spaces i.e. Kirkstall Centre

·  the need to introduce park and ride sites on the outer edge of the area which would solve the problems of congestion on the A65/A660

·  the need for a report to be presented to this Committee on a replacement for Supertram and to include timescales

·  reference to the 2030 forecast level of passenger use at Leeds/Bradford Airport and the future effects that climate change may have for policies concerning the airline industry and the implications for future plans to improve surface transport links to the airport

·  the need to concentrate on improving public transport within the city

·  clarification of the current enforcement provision for those drivers who drive/or park in bus lanes

·  clarification of the standards in place for vehicle usage on different types of roads

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That in view of the importance of this issue and the need to address congestion issues within the Inner North West area, this issue be referred to the Transport Group for further discussion with a request for further progress reports to come back to this Committee in due course.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing on the Woodsley Road Multicultural Community Centre Management Agreement.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report on the Woodsley Road Multicultural Community Centre Management Agreement.

The purpose of the report was to present the draft Management Agreement between the North West Inner Area Committee and the Woodsley Road Multicultural Community Centre Management Committee.  The Area Committee’s approval was sought on the Management Agreement in order that it may be presented to the Management Committee at its Annual General Meeting in March 2007.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Draft Woodsley Road MCC Management Agreement – Appendix 1’ for the information/ comment of the meeting.

Appendix 2 of the report was designated exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3).

Jason Singh, North West Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  clarification of the freehold agreement and the need to discuss in detail the sale/or lease arrangements before making a decision

·  clarification of the three year business plan of the centre

·  clarification of the percentage figure of the income from all chargeable lettings in order to support the development of the centre and appointment of appropriate staff

·  clarification as to whether the centre’s accounts were audited

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That, subject to further revisions being made to the document by North West Area Management, approval be given, in principle, to the management agreement as now outlined and that a copy of the revised agreement be circulated to Members of the Committee for comment  prior to the agreement being signed at the Annual General Meeting of the Woodsley Road Multicultural Centre Management Committee in March 2007.

(c)  That  in relation to the Council paying the Management Committee a percentage of the income from all chargeable lettings in order to support the development of the Centre and appointment of staff, this issue be debated further in conjunction with a forthcoming report on the Community Centres Review due to be considered by the Area Committee in June 2007.

(Councillor K Hussain having previously declared a personal/prejudicial interest, left the meeting at 9.15 pm prior to discussion of the above item)

Thursday 29^th March 2007 at 7.00pm (venue to be confirmed)

MAP OF TODAY’S VENUE

Woodsley Road Community Centre, Woodsley Road, Leeds 3.

Thursday 29^th March 2007 at 7.00 pm at the Burley Lodge Centre

(The meeting concluded at 9.35 pm)